Russell was represented in court by Public Defender Michael Henneberry. Prosecuting the case was First Assistant State's Attorney Anthony Sciuto.

On Feb. 26, a Lacon woman reported to the Spring Valley Police Department her credit card had been used without her authorization. She last reported using it at a Spring Valley business that same day. The subsequent investigation by the Spring Valley Police Department determined Russell was the one who had used the mislaid credit card, misplaced that same day, for two $40 cash advances. Russell was arrested on April 10 on a warrant issued by the judge.